Non-Academic Misconduct

What is Non-Academic Misconduct? 

Non-academic misconduct refers to behaviours that do not directly relate to your academic studies. This can include a variety of actions, ranging from criminal offenses to non-criminal behaviours such as vandalism of college property, harassment of fellow students or staff, or misuse of College IT systems. 

Please remember that we are here to support you through this process should any allegations arise. 

Preliminary Investigation

If a complaint has been made against you (e.g. harassment/bullying/sexual harassment), the matter will be referred to Student Conduct and Appeals, who will investigate the charge.

As part of this preliminary investigation, they may wish to talk to you. If you are required to attend any meetings with them, a KCLSU Adviser may be able to accompany you.

Typically, within 10 working days following the preliminary investigation, Student Conduct and Appeals will determine one of three outcomes: 

  • No Case to Answer/Insufficient Evidence: If there isn’t enough evidence, the case will be dropped, and the matter will be considered resolved. 

  • Warning for Misconduct: You may receive a warning, documented in a formal letter. This warning will remain on your record at King’s College London, and while future incidents will be treated more seriously, no additional repercussions will occur if no further charges are made. 

  • Full Investigation Required: If further investigation is warranted, you will be invited to a formal hearing known as a Misconduct Committee. KCLSU Advisers are available to assist you in preparing for this hearing and can accompany you on the day. 

 

Misconduct Committee Procedure

If you are invited to a Misconduct Committee hearing, you will receive at least 10 working days’ notice. Prior to the hearing, you’ll be asked to submit a written statement and any supporting evidence to Student Conduct and Appeals ([email protected]) at least 7 days before the hearing. KCLSU Advisers can provide guidance on what to include and review your drafts. 

The hearing itself is formal but designed to be supportive—similar to a job interview rather than a court setting. You are welcome to dress comfortably, and you will have the opportunity to sit throughout the process. You are not subject to interrogation and can request breaks as needed. 

The Committee typically comprises three staff members and one trained student volunteer, who will make the final decision. A staff member will also be present to take notes and audio-record the proceedings. The individual from Student Conduct & Appeals who conducted the preliminary investigation will explain the case but will not participate in the decision-making. 

During the hearing, the Chair will introduce everyone involved. The student conduct and appeals representative will present relevant information about the case, followed by your opportunity to share your perspective. The Committee may ask questions based on the evidence provided, and the complainant may also be invited to explain their concerns. 

 

Depending on the availability of our caseworkers, a member of the Advice Team may be able to accompany you to the hearing. Their role will be primarily supportive, offering guidance and assistance and stepping where needed. However, we encourage you to take the lead during the hearing and share your insights on the situation. Your perspective is invaluable, and taking ownership of the discussion can help ensure that your voice is heard clearly. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

 

Outcomes 

After deliberation, the Committee will decide whether to uphold the charge and, if so, which penalties to recommend based on the  Non-Academic Misconduct Policy and Procedure and Non-Academic Misconduct Guidance. 

If you are enrolled in a program requiring professional or statutory registration, the Faculty may refer the case for review under the university’s Fitness to Practise Policy – this should hyper link onto kclsu FTP page. 

You will receive the Committee’s decision via email within 7 days. If you wish to appeal the decision, there is a procedure in place, and KCLSU Advisers are available to assist you. 

   

Appeal Process for Misconduct Committee Decisions 

Students have the right to appeal the decision of a Misconduct Committee on one or more of the following grounds: 

  1. New Evidence: There is new evidence that could not have been presented during the Committee meeting, or there were valid reasons for its absence, and this evidence warrants further consideration. 

  1. Procedural Error: There is evidence of a significant procedural error on the part of the College before or during the Committee, and this warrants further consideration. 

  1. Other Grounds: Any other grounds, including compassionate considerations. 

Once your appeal is submitted, it will be reviewed, and the outcome will be one of the following: 

  • An Appeal Committee will be convened to assess your appeal. 

  • Alternatively, the appeal may be dismissed. 

You will typically be informed of this decision within 30 working days of the appeal's receipt. 

If this is the case, please do get in touch with KCLSU Advice via the online form, so an Adviser can help you further with your case. 

Fill out the advice form

How We Can Help

Our friendly caseworkers can talk you through the Misconduct regulations and procedures, answer any questions you might have about the process, and accompany you to relevant meetings.

Our friendly caseworkers can talk you through the appeals procedure, answer any questions you might have about the process, and assist you to complete your appeal.

We can:

  • Assist you in ensuring you are prepared prior to a Misconduct hearing, and accompany you to it.
  • Advise on what you should include your statement, provide feedback on it before you submit it, and what evidence to provide (if any).
  • Help you make sense of your outcome and discuss the formal appeal process if you are not satisfied with the decision.

FAQs

Does it mean that my case being referred to a Misconduct Committee hearing after the preliminary investigation, will have a negative outcome?

No, it certainly does not. Student Conduct & Appeals Office refers cases to Misconduct Committee hearings where they believe there is evidence that what a complainant is saying may be true, and therefore warrants further investigation.

What are possible outcomes of a Misconduct hearing?

Unfortunately, usually, it’s not possible to predict what outcome a Misconduct hearing will have. Non-academic related misconduct penalties can range from formal warnings to fines to suspension or even expulsion in more severe cases.

I don’t think I can attend the Misconduct hearing? What can I do?

If you think you cannot attend then you should email your department/Student Conduct & Appeals office and let them know, and ask if it would be possible to reschedule. Please note that Misconduct hearings take precedence of any other College-organised event so you are expected to be able attend, unless of course there’s something happening outside of your control. If you cannot physically make it to the meeting, you can attend by Skype (which has to be arranged beforehand). Please also note that Hearings can go ahead in a student’s absence.

I’m not happy with the Misconduct hearing outcome. What can I do?

Students may appeal the decision of a Misconduct Committee on either or both of the following grounds:

  1. There is new evidence that could not have been, or for good reason was not, made available at the time of the Committee, and the case warrants further consideration;
  2. Evidence can be produced of significant procedural error on the part of the College before or during the Committee, and the case warrants further consideration.

If this is the case, please do get in touch with KCLSU Advice via the online form, so an Adviser can help you further with your case.

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